In a bold move to salvage a faltering season, the Boston Bruins have parted ways with head coach Jim Montgomery and hired former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Sacco as their new head coach.

With the Bruins struggling at 8-9-3 in the Atlantic Division and showing signs of disarray, the team felt it was time for a change despite Montgomery’s impressive 120-41-23 record. The Bruins’ struggles on the ice, especially the lack of synergy between the star players, led to the decision to make a change behind the bench.

Joe Sacco, a former Maple Leafs draft pick (71st overall) and a key figure for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim during their early years, steps into the role with a wealth of coaching experience. Though Sacco’s playing career never quite reached stardom, he enjoyed solid success in the NHL, particularly during his time with Anaheim, where he amassed 130 points in 333 games.

Sacco’s coaching career includes a surprising playoff run with the Colorado Avalanche in 2010, as well as assistant coaching roles with Buffalo and other teams. He joined the Bruins’ staff earlier this summer and now gets a shot at leading the team through a critical period.

A native of Medford, Massachusetts, Sacco’s return to Boston carries personal significance. His brother, David Sacco, was also a former Leafs draft pick, and Joe’s ties to the area make this a bit of a homecoming.

With the Bruins in need of a turnaround, Sacco’s history of revitalizing struggling teams could provide the spark the team needs. The pressure is on, as Boston’s star players must step up, or it may not matter who’s coaching from behind the bench.